Nantes, Administrative capital in Loire-Atlantique, France
Nantes is the capital of the Loire-Atlantique department in western France, situated where the Loire and Erdre rivers meet. The city spreads across several islands connected by many bridges, giving it a particular urban fabric.
The place was the capital of the Duchy of Brittany from the 15th century until integration into the Kingdom of France in 1532. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a major port for maritime trade, which shaped the architecture and wealth of the city.
The city hosts a large street art festival, with murals and urban artworks visible across many neighborhoods, from the center to former industrial zones. Several art spaces in old warehouses along the river also allow local artists to exhibit and work.
The center is easy to explore on foot, while trams and buses connect all the main districts of the metropolitan area. Bicycles can be rented at many stations, and most attractions are easy to reach using public transport.
The Passage Pommeraye, built in 1843, has three levels with Renaissance galleries, ornate sculptures, boutiques and a monumental staircase. Another notable detail is the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard area that is now an experimental neighborhood with modern buildings and public installations.
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